Defending champion Coco Gauff beat Germany’s Eva Lys 6-3 6-4 in their first head-to-head match in the quarter finals to reach the China Open semifinals for the third consecutive year. Gauff has extended her winning streak to ten consecutive victories in Beijing.
Gauff earned two early breaks in the first set in the fourth and sixth games, but Lys pulled back on serve both times. Gauff broke for the third game in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead before closing out the first set in the next game.
Gauff broke serve at deuce in the fifth game, but Lys pulled the break back in the sixth game to draw level to 3-3. Gauff went up a break for the second time in the the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead. The two-time Grand Slam champion held on her serve to close out the second set on her first match point.
Gauff will face either Jasmine Paolini or Amanda Anisimova in the semifinal.
“She’s a tough opponent, she hit some incredible shots on the run. I was trying my best to stay aggressive. Just staying confident in my game and not being too passive when I have the lead”, said Gauff.
